jarring

/ˈdʒɑː.rɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdʒɑːr.ɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈjär-iŋ/ (ame, mw)

jarring — adjective

  • jarringpositive
  • more jarringcomparative
  • most jarringsuperlative

1. having a harsh or unsettling effect because it clashes sharply with what came be

1.形容詞C1
釋義

having a harsh or unsettling effect because it clashes sharply with what came before or with its surroundings.

例句

The jarring alarm cut through Lakan's quiet train ride home.

jarring + sound noun

Heloisa found the jarring neon colors exhausting in the small clinic waiting room.

jarring + visual contrast

同義詞
  • harsh

    broader and can describe criticism, light, or weather as well as sound

  • discordant

    more formal and especially common for sounds or clashing elements

  • unsettling

    focuses more on the uneasy feeling produced than on the clash itself

反義詞
  • harmonious

    suggests parts blend well together instead of clashing

  • soothing

    emphasizes a calming effect rather than a harsh one

文法句型

jarring + sound/sight/shift

be + jarring to + person

用法筆記

Often modifies sounds, colors, transitions, or experiences that feel unpleasant because the contrast is too sharp. It can appear before a noun or after verbs such as be, seem, and feel.

常見錯誤

❌The music was very jarringly in the cafe.
✅The music was very jarring in the cafe.
💡After 'be', English uses the adjective 'jarring', not the adverb 'jarringly'.

2. noticeably not fitting the style, place, or mood around it.

2.形容詞C1
釋義

noticeably not fitting the style, place, or mood around it.

例句

James thought the gold frame looked jarring in the simple wooden kitchen.

look + jarring in + setting

Bilal's joke felt jarring during the school's serious memorial service.

feel + jarring during + event

同義詞
  • incongruous

    more formal and often used in writing about style or tone

  • unsuitable

    broader and less vivid; it does not suggest a visible clash

  • awkward

    can overlap, but awkward often focuses on discomfort rather than visual mismatch

反義詞
  • fitting

    matches the setting or purpose well

  • appropriate

    neutral opposite that stresses suitability

文法句型

look/feel/seem + jarring

jarring in + setting

用法筆記

Usually appears after seem, feel, or look when something does not suit its setting or tone. Distinguish from sense 1, which emphasizes the unpleasant shock itself rather than simple mismatch.

常見錯誤

❌The bright poster was jarring with the quiet room.
✅The bright poster looked jarring in the quiet room.
💡English usually describes the mismatch in a setting, not with 'jarring with'.

3. causing sudden rough jolts that shake people or things hard.

3.形容詞B2
釋義

causing sudden rough jolts that shake people or things hard.

例句

Elise gripped the seat as the bus made a jarring turn downhill.

jarring + movement noun

Kwame woke up after the jarring impact of the cart hitting a curb.

jarring impact

同義詞
  • bumpy

    more everyday and usually used for rough roads or rides

  • jerky

    suggests repeated abrupt movements rather than one heavy jolt

  • shuddering

    focuses on the trembling motion that follows the impact

反義詞
  • smooth

    moving evenly without rough jolts

  • steady

    emphasizes stable movement without sudden shaking

文法句型

jarring + ride/impact/stop

be + jarring on + body

用法筆記

This sense is literal and physical, often used with ride, turn, impact, or stop. Distinguish from sense 1, which is about sensory or emotional clash rather than actual shaking.

常見錯誤

❌The cart gave a jarred stop at the gate.
✅The cart gave a jarring stop at the gate.
💡'jarred' describes something already shaken, while 'jarring' describes the rough movement causing the shock.